FIA presidential candidate David Ward said the organization faces "huge embarrassment" for proposing an election rule change just six weeks before voting is to take place. Ward also called the FIA's decision a "farce" and said that "it backs up his quest for the top job" (BBC, 10/21). ... FA of Thailand President Worawi Makudi on Monday insisted that last week's FAT presidential election "was conducted in a straightforward manner." Worawi on Thursday beat former national team Manager Virach Charnpanich "for a fourth straight term as Thai football chief." But Virach, who also lost to Worawi in the previous election two years ago, "complained of irregularities and his supporters have vowed to take legal action." At Monday's press conference, however, Worawi said that "the election was clean and fair" (BANGKOK POST, 10/22). ... UAE U17 coach Rashid Amir "sought to play down his comments" about over-age players at the FIFA U17 World Cup, suggesting on Tuesday that "they might have been made in the heat of the moment after a heavy loss to Brazil" (THE NATIONAL, 10/22). ... The Australian Rugby Union "is urgently seeking funding from broadcast and sponsorship partners for two development competitions it hopes will provide more depth in the Australian rugby talent pool." The ARU board agreed in principle at its meeting in Sydney "to the establishment of a Super B competition and a national club competition, pending the securing of funding" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/23).